James Michael Tovey

Obituary Overview

In Loving Memorial

TOVEY, James Michael

(Councillor, Ward One - City of Mississauga)

September 8, 1949 ­~ January 15, 2018

A passionate champion of people and community, Jim unexpectedly passed away while returning from work. For more than 42 years, Jim has been spiritual life partner to Lee Tovey and is survived by his beloved son Daniel (Clare) and three grandchildren Andrew, Annabelle and Nathaniel. He will be deeply missed by siblings John, Joyce, Jeff (Teresa), Jeanette (Victor) Joanne (Andrew) and sister and brother- in -law Karen and Bruce. Nieces and nephews Keith (Andrea), Steven (Megan), Nigel (Anna), Brandon, Cullen, Nick and Alexandra will miss his smile, humour and wisdom, as will Aunt Helen McDevitt, Jim's Godmother. Jim was predeceased by his mother Joan and father John. Jim's extended family includes countless dear friends, colleagues and associates. An exceptional fountain of creativity, Jim began his adult career as a musician, writer, poet and artist. His band, Hott Roxx, was selected to perform Toronto's first simulcast concert from the El Mocambo. In a second career, Jim's desire to build earned him success as a master carpenter, architectural technologist, contractor and project manager for 25 years. Jim and wife Lee, were the first citizen sponsors for a Habitat for Humanity heritage restoration project. Yet it would be his unwavering service to community where Jim would discover his most important and far-reaching calling. As the President of the Lakeview Ratepayer's Association, Jim rallied the community and brought an alternate vision to government. For future generations, a model sustainable community will replace toxic industry and power generation on the Lakeview lands. For his leadership, Jim was honoured as Mississauga's Citizen of the Year in 2009. In December 2010, Jim took the oath of office to serve the residents of Mississauga as Ward One Councillor, balancing the needs of residents, community, environment and growth. As a result of Jim's ability to inspire people, decades of revitalization will distinguish Mississauga's urban culture. In recognition of his achievements, Jim was also honoured with two National Urban Design Awards and the Queen's Jubilee Silver Medal in 2012. Councillor Jim Tovey lived life as an incomparable human spirit who cared deeply and gave selflessly to others. His accomplishments - from changing lives, to changing landscapes, will stand as Jim's enduring legacy.

Following a private family service, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider online donations to The Compass Food Bank. thecompass.caOnline condolences may be placed at www.arbormemorial.ca/scott-mississauga

Posted by Ken and Jackie Cutmore | 1/30/2018

Our deepest sympathy to Lee and family on the passing of Jim. We were shocked to learn of this news just this morning. Jim was a champion for the Small Arms preservation and restoration. A cause for which the Cutmore family was deeply involved. We join the many who will miss Jim and appreciate his efforts to ensure that the history of Small Arms lives on.
Rest in peace Jim.

Posted by Kate Leto | 1/30/2018

I am a resident in Jim's ward and wanted to mention a little-known legacy he leaves. At a corner in Old Port Credit Village, because of only a 2-way stop, there were many accidents and near-misses when vehicles would run the stop sign in one direction while cars went through the intersection from the other direction as there were no stop signs for them. Cars hitting cars. Cars hitting cyclists. Even once a full-size school bus, with kids on board, hitting an SUV. I lived at this corner and it became routine for me to fly out the door when I heard a loud impact. At this corner, is a daycare/pre-school facility. Many parents dropping kids off by parking along the street, very close to this corner. I knew it was a matter of time before a car involved in an accident or near-miss went careening into a parent getting a 3-year-old out of the car. I emailed Jim about my worries and he wasted no time. Using his extensive experience with "the system", he got a traffic analysis done and in a very short time atypical of red-tape-hindered bureaucracies, 4-way stops were implemented. Since then, the corner is peaceful and safe. I truly think that Jim saved at least one life by taking the matter seriously. And likely, in my mind, he saved the life of a child. That is a legacy if there ever was one. I hope this story brings comfort to his family and close friends. I miss the feeling of having a champion in our court.